Zimbabwe have been one of feel-good stories of the T20 World Cup.
Image: AFP
Following Zimbabwe’s highs in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they beat Australia and Sri Lanka in their own backyards, former Zimbabwe fast bowler Ed Rainsford believes that the national side needed to reach these heights to solidify their spot as one of the powerhouses in world cricket.
Zimbabwe’s campaign in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is well and truly over, given that they have failed to progress past the Super Eights following losses to the West Indies and India. They now have one remaining Super Eights fixture against the Proteas in Delhi on Sunday where they will be playing for pride and in search of a consolation victory. On the other hand, South Africa have already secured qualification for the semi-finals.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s highs in the tournament, Rainsford believes that cricket in Zimbabwe needed the team to achieve the results they have produced in India and Sri Lanka over the past few weeks.
“I think it's Zimbabwe's final game and the way they've gone in this World Cup has been quite remarkable. It's been something that really the organisation needed, and I think a lot of the players needed,” said Rainsford.
“I think one of the main things they'll take out of this World Cup is that they've done it with quite an inexperienced side as well. A lot of the young players have stood up, with the likes of Bennett. He's only 22, really.“
Zimbabwe’s 22-year-old opening batter, Brian Bennett, has truly been the star of the show. He has scored three half-centuries, including an unbeaten 64 against Australia, 63 not out against Sri Lanka, and an unbeaten 97 against a strong Indian bowling attack on Thursday.
While the youngsters have stood up, senior players, including captain Sikandar Raza, have also led from the front, reminding the world that Zimbabwe deserve to be respected in world cricket.
Rainsford reckons that Zimbabwe coach Justin Sammons needs to field the same team that played India against South Africa on Sunday, rewarding them for their performances and allowing them to continue their growth against a world-class Proteas team led by captain Aiden Markram and coach Shukri Conrad.
Rainsford praised the youngsters for making the tournament interesting and reiterated that they were in a Super Eights group with very strong teams, a factor that ultimately saw them exit.
“The younger players for Zimbabwe, I'm very proud of them. They were unbeaten going into the Super Eights; they beat Oman and then beat Australia and Sri Lanka in Sri Lankan conditions. I think that, in itself, made things quite interesting going into this stage.
“But the 'group of death' is this particular group because all the teams in this group were unbeaten. You have a favourite in India, who are defending, and you have South Africa, who probably have one finger on the trophy. South Africa look like a very complete side.”
A victory against South Africa on Sunday will give Zimbabwe confidence and bragging rights as they would be one-up against their neighbours.
The contest is scheduled to get underway at 11.30am SA time on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.